Thomas Ajagu, of Toungo local government area, Adamawa state, has been remanded in custody for allegedly killing his stepson, Ushahemba Ajagu, on July 24.
Police charged the father of four with murder after he allegedly shot and killed Ajagu during an argument over the sale of tramadol, Indian hemp, gin, and the construction of a tent.
Thomas, who pleaded guilty to the alleged offenses of “unlawful possession of a weapon and culpable homicide,” claimed he murdered Ushahemba, a father of two, in self-defense.
During his arraignment in Chief Magistrate Court I on Wednesday, August 2, the defendant stated that he was the one who brought up the deceased following his father’s death, and that he had been in a running battle with him since he grew up and began selling such illegal substances.
According to Thomas, he warned the deceased on several occasions, even going so far as to report him to the hunters’ union and the police in Toungo, but it was to no avail.
He said upon his return from farm on that fateful day, he met the deceased in the company of his friends smoking Indian hemp and trying to erect a tent where he will sell the substances..
The deceased was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead.
Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecutor, Inspector S.S. Nicholas, informed the court that the investigation was completed and that the case had been adjourned to allow them to transmit the case file to the DPP for advice.
The application was granted by the court, which was presided over by Chief Magistrate Mohammed Buba, and the case was adjourned until August 23, 2022.
However, he ordered the remand of the defendant at Yola correctional centre till the next adjourned date.
